South Korea war games cut short after Washington request, Seoul says
South Korea has announced that its annual joint military exercises with the US will be cut short by six days at Washington's request. The move has raised concerns about the strength of the US-South Korea defense pact, especially as President Trump signals potential future meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Why it matters
The reduction in military drills signals a potential shift in US foreign policy and regional security dynamics in East Asia, impacting alliances with South Korea and Japan.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tabby Wilson and Jake Kwon , Seoul correspondent EPA US and South Korean soldiers take part in joint drills in 2023 South Korea's annual joint military drills with the US will be cut short by six days at the request of Washington, its defence ministry has announced.
Seoul said that the "period and scale" of the 2026 Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise had been adjusted due to a "proposal of the US side".
The drill will now conclude on 21 August, rather than 27 August as planned.
President Donald Trump, who has accused Seoul of refusing to take part in action against Iran, told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.
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